The diversity of our members is our strength. Our members range in age from 17 to 80+, and are of many races, ethnicities, and economic levels. They are recent college graduates, neighborhood residents, parents and guardians of children served by the program, local community leaders, and people from the suburbs and across the nation. Members' educational backgrounds vary from GEDs to those with graduate degrees.
Each brings their own special skills and talents to their service. Corpsmember experiences vary in what they give and what they get from their service. But the common bond among all of our members is their dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.
So what can be expected by joining EW?
It has been said that a term of service with EW programs is "the hardest work of your life." We ask a lot of our corpsmembers - and expect them to give their all to the children, schools, and communities they serve. It is hard work to tutor, mentor, coach, lead, support, teach, create, organize, listen, and follow.
Our members' positive attitudes and behaviors help:
• kids build trust, motivating them to try and accomplish things they did not think possible;
• teachers and school staff recognize the possibilities of partnership to help students;
• parents eliminate the distance they sometimes feel from teachers and the school so they can be more engaged and support their children's learning; and
• members serve as an effective team, supporting each other's work, sharing ideas and experiences, celebrating the successes, and working together through the challenges and barriers.
You can expect to make a difference--a frequently absent student begins to come to school regularly or a student takes pride in learning something new. Students will call your name and smile when they see you; they'll ask you questions knowing you will give an answer, even if it is "I don't know, let's look into that"; and they'll begin to work together helping each other without being asked.
You can also expect a difference in you.
Frequently corpsmembers are surprised by how much they learn from each daily experience and how it shapes their future. They gain new skills and a deeper understanding of schools, education, and community organizations. They learn more about their capabilities and build new relationships with persons different from themselves. They are able to better define their future goals and expectations.
In the words of our members:
"I learned. I shared. I grew."
"It is a joy to see children's faces light up when they see something they have created. I take pride in knowing that it is due in part to my efforts they can experience that happiness."
"Rewarding, that says it all. It makes me feel good, helping kids and helping the community. Some of it is indescribable. It does a lot for my heart."
"I believe in myself again; this was one of the big steps in my life."
"The NSCC gave me a better sense of myself because, as the program grows, you grow along with it. It helped me build my confidence when I took on my new job. Now I am a parent advocate working with parents on family issues and tutoring children."
"Since I put off grad school to make sure I wanted to become an educator, this experience has paid off enormously. It definitely sealed my future as an educator."
Are you ready to get the feeling that comes with seeing how your work helps people change their lives, and yours? If so, then joining EW will be one of the best things you can do for yourself and others.
